COOK

State of Arkansas; Arkansas; Hybrid; USD 25,000 - 38,000; Full time

Job summary

State of Arkansas is seeking an entry-level cook to prepare meals in a state facility following established menus and recipes. The role ensures timely cooking, adherence to safety standards, and proper handling of food in a team environment.

Responsibilities include portioning, plating, inventory monitoring, and communication with supervisors and visitors. ServSafe certification must be obtained within six months of hire to meet licensure requirements.

Qualifications

• Basic knowledge of cooking techniques and kitchen sanitation.
• Ability to follow recipes and cooking instructions accurately.
• Strong attention to detail in food preparation and quality control.
• Ability to maintain cleanliness and safety in the kitchen.
• Good communication skills for working with other kitchen staff.

Responsibilities

• Prepare meals and snacks according to standardized recipes and menu plans.
• Ensure food is cooked to the proper temperature and quality standards.
• Clean and maintain cooking equipment, utensils, and workstations.
• Monitor food inventory and inform supervisors when supplies are low.
• Interact with visitors, relay complaints to managers, and assist visitors with special needs.
• Perform food preparation duties, including portioning and labeling leftovers, and ordering weekly supplies.
• Assist with portioning and plating meals for service.
• Follow food safety regulations regarding storage, handling, and cleanliness.

Skills

Cooking techniques

Recipe following

Food safety

Attention to detail

Cleanliness

Communication

Education

ServSafe Food Certification

Job description

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The Cook is responsible for preparing meals in a state facility according to established menus and recipes. This entry-level role ensures that food is prepared promptly, cooked to the correct specifications, and complies with health and safety standards.

Primary Responsibilities

• Prepare meals and snacks according to standardized recipes and menu plans.
• Ensure food is cooked to the proper temperature and quality standards.
• Clean and maintain cooking equipment, utensils, and workstations.
• Monitor food inventory and inform supervisors when supplies are low.
• Ability to interact with visitors, handles or relays complaints to managers, and assists visitors with special needs.
• Performs food preparation duties, including preparing food commodities, calculating needed amounts of goods, ensuring accurate measurements of recipe quantities, labeling and storing leftover items, and ordering weekly supplies.
• Assist with portioning and plating meals for service.
• Follow food safety regulations regarding food storage, handling, and cleanliness.

Knowledge and Skills

• Basic knowledge of cooking techniques, food preparation, and kitchen sanitation.
• Ability to follow recipes and cooking instructions accurately.
• Strong attention to detail in food preparation and quality control.
• Ability to maintain cleanliness and safety in the kitchen.
• Good communication skills for working with other kitchen staff.

Licensure/Certifications

Must obtain and maintain ServSafe Food Certification within six months of hire.OTHER JOB RELATED EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE MAY BE SUBSTITUTED FOR ALL OR PART OF THESE BASIC REQUIREMENTS, EXCEPT FOR CERTIFICATION OR LICENSURE REQUIREMENTS, UPON APPROVAL OF THE QUALIFICATIONS REVIEW COMMITTEE.